What I particularly love about this series, this world, and Samantha Shannon’s writing, is how she writes female relationships. Shannon's writing is beautiful and efficient, it shows us each part of the world in lavish prose and clearly explains every action. You can tell how much her craft has improved, the very structure, the very bones of this story hold firmer as we move towards the end with a pace of perfection. It's a slower-paced, denser read than Priory, however I believe it to be the more entertaining and engaging. To the north, in the Queendom of Inys, Sabran the Ambitious has married the new King of Hróth, narrowly saving both realms from ruin. Their daughter, Glorian, trails in their shadow – exactly where she wants to be. n this family, love knows no boundaries, defying societal expectations of what constitutes a normative family structure. Despite these differences, their profound affection and unwavering support form the foundation of a complete and thriving family. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Quotes She would not drown in grief again… lost in the agony of remembrance.” Tuva’s struggle with grief showcases her resilience as she battles through emotional turmoil, demonstrating her strength and determination.

Glorian Berethnet is the princess of Inys and heir to her mother's throne, in a long line of female monarchs whose bloodline keeps the Nameless One at bay. In the final chapters, Nikeya earns Dumai’s trust, and together they work towards transforming Seiiki positively. Even after Dumai disappears, the determined Nikeya continues their mission, receiving the approval of the Grand Empress to rule Seiiki in Dumai’s absence, showing her resilience and commitment to their shared vision. A Day of Fallen Night Symbols Monarchy’s Stranglehold on Personal Freedom The plot, like Priory seemed all over the place and confusing at first, but it’s not. It’s just that there’s lots of different pieces in this world, and it takes some time to get used to them all. As I'm less active on social media than I used to be, I just thought I'd answer a few questions in advance, to give you a clearer sense of A Day of Fallen Night.

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Dumai’s leadership style focuses on the welfare of Seiiki’s citizens rather than her own status. She even allows Clan Kuposa to take control of the throne, believing that her energy should be directed towards more significant threats rather than internal power struggles. In a selfless act, she sacrifices herself, ensuring the safety of Seiiki: ‘She reached for the light deep within, and darkness accepted it, like an offering’ (804). Although her fate remains uncertain, her disappearance is a sacrifice made out of love for her people. Shannon’s 8,000-word “etymology document” continues to grow with each new character. Naming takes time: it’s a “fiddly procedure” trying to find “words that fit together naturally” and reflect, in some way, the traits of the character in question. The names are then run by a speaker of the modern form of the language. “I have dodged a few bullets,” Shannon laughs, as she tells me that a name which meant “softness” in the older form of the language now translates as “meat”. When I was on the battlefield, I had to make hard choices, choices that meant life or death. Your mother does the same. The only difference is her battlefields are council chambers, her weapons are letters and treaties, and her armour is Virtudom itself.”

Another epic, sweeping fantasy from the mastermind behind The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Bone Season series. In The South, we are introduced to Tunuva, a sister of the Priory. Tunuva is an older character with many established relationships and memories of the past. She's a brilliant character, kind and loyal to a fault, always there and ready to protect her family. Ultimately, this is Tunuva's weakness, her love and gentle heart. Although she is a great warrior, faultless with a spear as she fights alongside her ichneumon, Ninuru, her heart holds her family above all else. Esbar and Siyu, the child in her past, and all her family in the Priory mean everything to her. In the East, Dumai discovers her true identity as the secret daughter of Emperor Jorodu. She becomes part of his plan to counter the power-hungry Kuposas. Jorodu intends to place Dumai on the throne instead of his younger daughter, Suzumai, and establish a shadow court to rule elsewhere. Esbar honors Tuva by naming their daughter Siyu du Tunuva uq-Nara, a significant tradition among the Ersyr people: “As a descendant of Siyati du Verda uq-Nara, you may bless her with two names, in the way of the northern Ersyr—one for herself, and one to guide her” (23). While Esbar gives birth to Siyu, it is Tuva who actively nurtures her, guiding her through life’s challenges. this was such an incredible fantasy book. the world-building, the lore, and the characters were written so well. it was interesting to read about the different religions and faith in each kingdom. you can tell Saman

“It’s been empowering for me personally to write a world which is quite women-centric”

Although this reunion doesn’t completely heal her or compensate for the lost years, Tuva finds solace. His departure doesn’t shatter her; she can move forward without the burden of his mysterious disappearance. Throughout the novel, she confronts her grief, trying to understand it and survive. In the end, she learns to live with it, leading to a stronger bond with Esbar. Together, they defeat the wyrm Dedalugun. Glorian Hraustr Berethnet After the conflict, Glorian becomes a strong queen, Wulf finds his own path, Tuva heals from her past, and Nikeya takes leadership in Seiiki, mourning Dumai’s loss. A Day of Fallen Night Character List How she cared for her daughter, how she cared for her people, her kingdom, was so powerful, and I loved her all the more for it.

If Priory of the Orange Tree is like a loaded potato, A Day of Fallen Night is like a Dodger Dog: Distinguished by its length, you can only eat so much before you run out of bun and condiments. In the end, you're just left with too much dog. A Day of Fallen Night is a standalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, you can read either one first. I would say Priory is the gentler read and is a softer introduction to the world, however ADOFN is (in my opinion) the better of the two. It is truly such a brilliant read and I now love Samantha Shannon and the world of Priory even more.At its core, A Day of Fallen Night is a story about mothers and daughters, and that visceral, unbreakable connection. It’s a theme that resonates throughout the story’s disparate narratives, in multiple tiny ways, in storylines that will break your heart. It’s intergenerational, multiple POV, and stunning in a way that is still intimate, emotional and accessible. Samantha Shannon has truly outdone herself with her second book in the Roots of Chaos series. I can’t wait to read what is yet to come. Let his last day, his last choice, be the truth.” Wulf’s defiant assertion in the face of accusations highlights his courage and the theme of identity, emphasizing the power of self-definition. as with priory, fallen night has lots of in-depth world building. there’s so much history and lore to learn, and shannon doesn’t skimp on the details. As in Priory, the diversity and representation are superb. Queer is normal in this world, ranging from two fathers, two mothers, bisexuality, and genderfluidity, without anyone having to fight for it or justify their lives. It’s a breath of fresh air to read queer relationships represented in normal abundance. Even the religious institutions have a feminist slant with queer acceptance woven in, from the Priory itself to the power granted down the Berethnet Queens. There are other biases these societies have, but it’s lovely that sexuality doesn’t have to be one of them. All of this will feel familiar to readers who were first introduced to this world through Priory of the Orange Tree, but these aspects remain just as refreshing to read.